Chain guard for an 18 speed bicycle.

Here are a couple of views of a chain guard I have made that works very well in the
Pacific Northwest winter rain of Darrington, keeping the road grit away from the chain.

Saving Energy
 view of chainguard
The guard is made using light gauge aluminum flashing.  The aluminum starts as a flat piece.  

The purpose of this project is to show that it is possible to make a practical chain guard for a derailure type gear system.  This would not work well for  rough trail riding.

Saving Energy
 view of chainguard
I made a channel shaped piece and carefully crimped the edges to make the semi circular front piece.  This curved channel is further reinforced with a rounded ridge pressed into the channel using the round end of a screwdriver handle.  Flat pieces are fitted and pop riveted or attached with small screws and nuts.  The attachment to the frame is mostly done with plastic zip ties.  

In past winter commuter riding, the bike chain would be gritty instantly because of the sand and rain on the wet roads.  With the guard shown I have ridden all winter and you can see that the silver color of the freewheel remains clean.  The chain has needed only occasional oiling.

How Much Energy Does a Dirty Chain Waste?

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